After Losing 35% of Its Fleet, Russia Seeks Black Sea Ceasefire

In a rare diplomatic move amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukraine and Russia have reached a naval truce in the Black Sea, following negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This agreement halts military operations at sea and protects vital port infrastructure, while also allowing Ukraine the right to defend itself if Russia breaches the terms. As Russia seeks to regain access to international trade, especially for agricultural exports, the truce holds significant implications for both nations' maritime strategies. However, given the successful Ukrainian naval campaign and Russia’s past history of violating agreements, the real question remains: how realistic is this truce in the context of the current state of the naval war? Will it hold, or is it merely a temporary reprieve for Russia’s embattled economy?